RaboDirect to call time on Pro12 sponsorship

CELTIC LEAGUE rugby will rely on their new four-year, seven-figure television deal with Sky Sports to land them a new title-sponsor following the news RaboDirect will not be renewing their existing Pro12 sponsorship deal.

CELTIC LEAGUE rugby will rely on their new four-year, seven-figure television deal with Sky Sports to land them a new title-sponsor following the news RaboDirect will not be renewing their existing Pro12 sponsorship deal.

RaboDirect, the Dutch multinational banking and financial services company, took over as title sponsor for the competition from Magners for the 2011/12 season, but will not be sponsoring the competition beyond this season.

The league will be confident of attracting a new title-sponsor, especially following the announcement in May that Sky Sports have agreed a four-year deal to broadcast 33 live matches each season.

The deal is a hugely lucrative one and is due to commence at the start of the 2014/15 season.

It is also anticipated the Sky Sports deal will run alongside the continued terrestrial screening of matches, once agreement is reached with the various parties beyond 2014/15.

John Feehan, the chief executive of Celtic Rugby, said: "Celtic Rugby would like to thank RaboDirect for its investment and support of the competition from (their) introduction in 2011 until the end of the upcoming season.

"The competition has grown hugely over the last few years and this season is set to be even better.

"The launch will kickstart what we all expect will be another fascinating campaign," he added.